AC Dimmer Circuit: 46

Green wire is zero_cross signal, goes to Arduino digital pin 2 in.
Yellow wire is light dimming signal, comes from Arduino digital pin 11.
The LED on board should dim or fade along with the AC light source. Fading will not work until AC power is connected, it depends on the zero-cross info from the H11AA1 chip.

Code

  • example with slow on/off fade:
  • example with potentiometer control:

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Diagram

AC Dimmer Circuit - 46 schematic
Click for full-size image

Eagle Files

Parts

Notes

  • Make sure your Triac (T1, BTA12-600) is rated at high enough current for the device you are controlling. The product linked above is rated at 12Amps RMS. That’s a lot of current!
  • Alternative TRIACs with different power ratings:

Building from Fabricated PCB

Populate a freshly Fabricated PCB

  • Grab your part. Use the parts list
  • We are going to build this board from the bottom up, shortest to tallest components.
  • Start with the resistors. Get these from the resistor bin.
    • 33K (R1)
    • 10K (R2)
    • 1K (R3)
    • 470 (R4)
    • 180 (R5)
    • 2.4K (R6)
  • Insert the resistors into the board in the appropriately labelled spot. You may want to bend the legs slightly to hold them in place.
  • Flip the board over and solder each resistor in place. As you solder a resistor, straighten the legs back out. This will give them each solder pad a straight, centered solder blob.
    • Make sure that the resistor stays flush to the top side of the board! If one has slipped out, you can reheat the solder pad and push it into place, letting the solder harden again
    • Solder joints should be symmetric, conical, and have a shiny finish. You do not want a big ball of solder.
  • Clip the resistor leads near the board, at the top of the solder joint. You can do this as you work your way through soldering the resistors, to free up space, or do it all at the end.
  • Next, solder the 6-pin DIP sockets in place. These are the next tallest components.
    • Make sure that the notch in the DIP socket aligns with the notch in the silkscreen image. This is how you are sure to put the component in correctly. (PIC)
    • Find a way to secure them flush to the board while you solder on the back. I just make sure the board is balanced on top of them and apply a little downward force.
    • Solder one corner of the socket, then the opposite corner.
    • If the socket is not flush. Heat the appropriate corner and push to make it flush, then let the solder harden again.
    • When you are satisfied with the flush-mounted DIP socket. Solder the remaining 4 pins.
  • Solder the LED.
  • Solder the capacitor.
  • Solder the short Screw Terminals.
  • Solder the tall Screw Terminals.
  • Solder the TRIAC.
  • Test and verify.

Test and Verify a Soldered Circuit

Other Notes

Alternative Design

Alternative SSR instead of MOC/Triac combination:
AC Phase Control (that’s what we are doing):

http://arduino.cc/playground/Code/ACPhaseControl

For more detail: AC Dimmer Circuit: 46


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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